ATI RN
Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
The Karnofsky prognostication scale is most appropriately used to screen patients with which medical diagnoses?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The Karnofsky Prognostication Scale is commonly used in patients with terminal illness, such as AIDS, to assess their functional status and predict their prognosis. Patients with AIDS often experience rapid decline in health, making this scale useful in determining their overall well-being and potential outcomes. Incorrect choices: A: Respiratory diseases - The Karnofsky scale is not commonly used for screening patients with respiratory diseases. B: Cancers - While the Karnofsky scale can be used for cancer patients, it is most commonly associated with terminal illnesses like AIDS. C: Cardiac diseases - The Karnofsky scale is not typically used for screening patients with cardiac diseases.
Question 2 of 9
A nurse plans care knowing when specific recovery milestones are expected. The nurse is providing care via:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: clinical pathways. Clinical pathways are structured, evidence-based plans of care that outline the expected recovery milestones and interventions for a specific condition or procedure. By following a clinical pathway, nurses can effectively plan care and monitor progress based on established guidelines. Patient classification systems (A) categorize patients based on acuity levels, not recovery milestones. Functional nursing (C) involves delegating specific tasks to different staff members. Case management (D) focuses on coordinating care across multiple providers, not specifically on recovery milestones.
Question 3 of 9
A novice nurse is unsure how to correctly administer an injection using the Z-track method. What is the best approach for learning this procedure?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Ask to observe the skill as it is being performed; then perform it under direct supervision. This approach allows the novice nurse to learn through observation and hands-on practice under direct supervision, ensuring proper technique and safety. By observing the skill first, the nurse can understand the correct steps and potential challenges. Performing the skill under supervision provides real-time feedback and guidance. This method promotes active learning and confidence-building. Rationale for incorrect choices: A: Reading the procedure manual is helpful but may not provide the necessary hands-on experience and immediate feedback required for skill acquisition. B: Practicing in a skills laboratory can be beneficial, but it may not offer the opportunity for direct supervision and feedback from experienced professionals. D: Trying to remember from a previous simulation may not be reliable and lacks the real-time guidance and correction needed for skill mastery.
Question 4 of 9
Who establishes the "rules" for nursing practice?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Individual state boards of nursing. State boards of nursing are responsible for regulating nursing practice within their respective states, including establishing rules and regulations to ensure safe and competent care. They set standards for licensure, education, and practice, as well as enforce disciplinary actions when necessary. State boards have the authority to govern nursing practice based on state laws and regulations. Employers, the US Department of Health and Human Services, and local health officials do not have the regulatory power to establish the rules for nursing practice at a state level.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse is given a referral to make a home visit to a Russian immigrant. The nurse knows very little about the health beliefs of this ethnic group. To research this group, she can use an Internet search engine and enter the term "Russian cultures" or "Russian health beliefs." To obtain more generalized information, she could also search under:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: federally recognized minorities. This is because Russian immigrants are considered a federally recognized minority group in the United States. By searching under this category, the nurse can find specific and relevant information about the health beliefs and practices of this particular ethnic group. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not specifically pertain to the Russian immigrant population. Marginalized populations (B) may include various minority groups but may not provide specific information about Russian immigrants. Similarly, Asian/Pacific Islander cultures (C) and Latino cultures (D) do not encompass the unique health beliefs and practices of Russian immigrants.
Question 6 of 9
The task of completing and signing the initial assessment on a newly admitted patient who is about to undergo minimally invasive procedures on an outpatient basis can be delegated to:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: the registered nurse (RN). This task requires clinical judgment and critical thinking skills, which are within the scope of practice of an RN. The RN is trained to assess the patient comprehensively, identify potential risks, and communicate effectively with other healthcare team members. LPNs/LVNs may not have the same level of assessment skills as RNs. UAPs do not have the clinical knowledge or skills required for this task. Option D is incorrect as completing and signing the initial assessment requires active patient assessment, which is a dynamic process and not just about past information.
Question 7 of 9
If a nurse practicing in a mental health agency could only belong to one professional organization, what criteria could be used to select the organization with the biggest impact?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Specialty organizations such as the American Psychiatric Nurses Association lobby for higher education requirements for nurses. Rationale: 1. Specialty organizations like the American Psychiatric Nurses Association focus specifically on mental health nursing, ensuring targeted advocacy and support. 2. Lobbying for higher education requirements demonstrates a commitment to advancing the profession and improving the quality of care. 3. Higher education requirements can lead to better outcomes for patients and enhance the credibility and expertise of mental health nurses. Summary: A: The American Nurses Association may have a broad reach, but it may not prioritize mental health nursing specifically. C: State nursing associations may have limitations in lobbying power, focusing more on state-level issues. D: Professional organizations like AAHN, while valuable for preserving history, may not actively advocate for current professional development and standards.
Question 8 of 9
The Karnofsky prognostication scale is most appropriately used to screen patients with which medical diagnoses?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The Karnofsky Prognostication Scale is commonly used in patients with terminal illness, such as AIDS, to assess their functional status and predict their prognosis. Patients with AIDS often experience rapid decline in health, making this scale useful in determining their overall well-being and potential outcomes. Incorrect choices: A: Respiratory diseases - The Karnofsky scale is not commonly used for screening patients with respiratory diseases. B: Cancers - While the Karnofsky scale can be used for cancer patients, it is most commonly associated with terminal illnesses like AIDS. C: Cardiac diseases - The Karnofsky scale is not typically used for screening patients with cardiac diseases.
Question 9 of 9
An inexperienced nurse has heard of other novice nurses who take shortcuts in providing patient care. This nurse feels that this is unacceptable and that all tasks must be performed faultlessly, which leads to her inability to complete all assigned tasks. This nurse would benefit from the seminar "Obstacles to Time Management: How to Deal with:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Perfectionism. This nurse's belief that all tasks must be performed faultlessly is indicative of perfectionism, which can lead to inefficiency and inability to prioritize tasks effectively. By attending a seminar on overcoming perfectionism, the nurse can learn strategies to manage time more efficiently and prioritize tasks based on their importance. Creativity (option A) is not directly related to the nurse's struggle with completing tasks. Failure (option C) does not address the root cause of the nurse's issue. Downtime (option D) does not address the underlying perfectionism that is hindering the nurse's time management.